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You may have heard of this amazing program sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Look Good … Feel Better (LGFB) is dedicated toimproving the self-image and self-confidence of women living with cancer and empowering them during their battle. The program, which was established in 1989, offers hospital-based two-hour sessions tailored to each patient’s skin and medical treatment type. Volunteers, trained and certified locally by ACS, conduct classes in skin care, makeup and hair care, including coverings. More than 40 generous sponsors donate products.

What seemingly little things—a makeover, a hairstyle, a skin treatment—in the face of cancer. Yet what a powerful result they have in producing confidence, well-being and added strength to fight the battle and face the future.

How did such a forceful program come into existence? A single physician hit on a result that was the catalyst for the formation of LGFB. He was treating a female cancer patient who was having debilitating side effects due to her appearance. So, he asked the president of the Personal Care Products Council for help getting a “makeover” for this patient. The president was able to round up cosmetics and a makeup artist for her. As a result, the doctor sited her makeover as a turning point in her attitude to her treatment.

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The Personal Care Products Council saw this as an opportunity for its industry to help women facing cancer treatment. The ACS aided the effort by providing a national network and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) rounded out the partnership by promoting volunteerism to its cosmetologists. As a direct result, Look Good … Feel Better was born.

Chapters thrive in every state and throughout the world. Additionally, LGFB recently expanded its offerings to programs for men and teens. You’ll be hearing more about LGFB in future pages of Skin Inc. magazine. We will continue to update you on the work of this organization and its volunteers.

Professionals who are looking for more information on how to get involved in this extremely rewarding form of volunteerism should log onto the organization’s Web site, www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org. I was inspired by the words written by the women battling cancer, words that express how their new physical look has helped with their own personal outlook on life, and so I will end on this positive note:

“The Look Good ... Feel Better program has given me an immeasurable gift. It made me feel special and beautiful, gave me back my confidence and made me feel feminine again.”

“I came out of [the session] on an emotional high. It made my whole day—and week. All of my family loved my makeup and hair and the transformation. And so do I!”

“Help with looking good during and after treatment is a blessing to me. I must continue to work in public and the help, tips and quality free products have been a great comfort. I feel much more confident that I will be able to make myself presentable at work, to my husband, and other family members and friends.”